News, 09/08/2016

Rio 2016: Finland House in Rio promotes awareness of Finnish know-how

Apart from achieving sporting success, Finland is aiming to increase awareness of Finnish cleantech and education know-how and promote its country image at the Rio Summer Olympic Games. Another goal is to promote exports.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is hosting the Summer Olympic Games from 5 to 21 August 2016.

During the Games, Finland House will open in Rio in order to act as a meeting place and a showcase for Finnish know-how from 12 to 21 August. Open days will be held on both weekends (13–14 August and 20–21 August), but some events open to the public will be arranged on other days as well.

In addition to possible medal celebrations, Casa França-Brasil will act as the venue for the President’s and Ambassador’s receptions as well as events organised by companies for their clients and meetings between education professionals.

Spotlight on cleantech and education know-how

This PopUp School was organised during the Basketball World Cup held in Spain. A similar project is being carried out in Rio. Click on the picture to enlarge.

The international Olympic Games are being reformed in accordance with Olympic Agenda 2020, and therefore matters related to sustainable development are being paid more attention than ever before.

This enables Finnish cleantech companies to create new business opportunities in a natural context.

In addition to cleantech, Finland House will also showcase Finnish education know-how, which has received international recognition. One of the concepts to see the light of day at Finland House is the Finnish PopUp School that welcomes children of locals and visitors alike. Several teachers from Finland have been signed up.

In the midst of the Olympic buzz, Finland will also be marketed as a tourist destination. Santa, among others, will make an appearance.

Finland House is a coordinated effort of several parties

The Finnish Olympic Committee is responsible for setting up Finland House in cooperation with several partners. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is involved in the activities of Finland House, which is now being set up for the first time. Finland has never before carried out a country and export promotion operation like this, involving several different parties.

Other key partners include, among others, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finpro, Visit Finland and Finland’s Embassy in Brazil. Danfoss and Wärtsilä represent the larger companies involved. There are also several other companies and operators participating in the activities of the House.